Pedestrian safety and mobility are a high priority for Fairfax County, because of the injuries and fatalities resulting from automobile related crashes every year. In July 2002, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors initiated a comprehensive Pedestrian Program for Fairfax County, and provided dedicated resources to meet specific goals.

The Board established a staff position of Pedestrian Program Manager in the FCDOT to manage pedestrian safety and facility issues. The Pedestrian Program Manager and staff work full time on coordinating and improving policies and programs for pedestrians.

The Board established a Pedestrian Task Force, consisting of citizens, appointed commission members, and multi-disciplined staff, to review existing Fairfax County pedestrian programs and activities, make recommendations on improving these programs, develop coordinated education and outreach efforts, and prioritize funding for pedestrian projects.

The Board funded a comprehensive Bus Stop Inventory and Safety Study of the Metrobus and Fairfax Connector public transit bus stops throughout Fairfax County, to determine if these stops are safe for pedestrians and to make recommendations on improving the stops. The Bus Stop Inventory and Safety Study will be completed in late 2004.

The Board successfully pursued a change in Virginia Law to allow Fairfax County to place signs at designated intersections providing for an increased fine for failing to yield to pedestrians. The “Yield to Pedestrians in Crosswalks $100 - $500 Violation Fine” Signs Program is administered by FCDOT. Currently the signs are installed at nearly 100 intersections in the County. Citizens may request these signs at crosswalks by contacting FCDOT.

The Board has designated over $10 million in federal, state and county funding under direction of FCDOT to construct pedestrian improvements in high-priority areas of Fairfax County such as Richmond Highway, transit access areas and top crash locations.

For more information on Fairfax County’s Pedestrian Program please contact Chris Wells, Pedestrian Program Manager, at 703-324-1100, TTY 703-324-1102.